Having just celebrated Internet Self-Care Day, so we figured that we would use the Internet to share DIY tips for home care with you.
Some of the best ways to minimize repair bills and appliance failures in the home are routine maintenance programs for different parts of the home. Be sure to put reminders in your calendar to check the following routinely:
1. Smoke/fire alarms should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced once per year whether they are dead or not to ensure they will not fail in an emergency.
2. When HVAC systems are first used for heating in the fall (furnace) and cooling in the spring (A/C) is when most air systems fail if not maintained. Waiting until the failure to call someone puts you in the very back of a long line. Annual checks about a month before expected sustained use for each unit makes you better protected at the start of the season, and also ensures you are a preferred customer with your chosen service provider.
3. The roof needs to be inspected once per year for damages on the roof that will allow leaks causing water damage inside the home. The gutters and downspouts also need to be checked annually to be sure they are securely fastened to the home and not clogged. Improper rainwater drainage can lead to flooding causing water damage and potentially mold growth inside the home.
4. Windows, doors and vents on the exterior walls of the home need to be checked for improper seals of doors and windows. Vent covers should also be checked for proper mounting. Improper seals and cover can also lead to flooding causing potential water damage and mold inside the home.
5. Decks and other fixtures mounted to the exterior of the home should be checked annually to ensure they are not coming loose from the home or too damaged for safe use.
6. Water lines coming into the house and plumbing to each appliance or fixture in the home should be checked every 2 years to ensure there are no slow leaks causing hidden water damage or cracks that may lead to sudden plumbing failures.
7. Always be on the lookout for droppings or chewed bits of packaging. Call an exterminator as soon as you suspect any rodent problem. They cause a lot of damage quickly so cannot be missed or ignored.
8. When using any fixture or appliance, look around the area casually each time to note any signs of water damage including pooling of water, water stains, drips or clogs. Any signs of water damage should be evaluated immediately before any more water is allowed to affect the area.
9. Unplug any items not actively used. Check for fraying of wiring or damage to any cords. Turn on items that are not regularly used but cannot be unplugged between uses monthly to be sure they still work and are not shorting out the circuit. Again, do not ignore any signs of damage. Electrical shorts and damaged wiring can cause an electrical fire when you least expect it.
If any signs of water damage or fire damage are found, the professionals at ServiceMaster 5 Points Athens are trained to evaluate and make recommendations on next steps. If you have a loss due to water or fire, we mitigate the damage and help you get on the best road to recovery.
